Antony will make his highly anticipated Manchester United debut for this weekend’s Premier League clash against Arsenal.
The Red Devils finally confirmed his official arrival at Old Trafford on Thursday morning, having agreed an £85million fee with Ajax earlier this week. He became the club’s fifth signing of the summer as Erik ten Hag continues to overhaul his new squad following his appointment at the end of last season.
The Brazil international signed a five-year deal until 2027, with the option for an extra year, worth around £200,000-a-week. The forward was not registered on time to face Leicester City on Thursday night, but he will be available for selection in the next round of matches.
The 22-year-old is a right-sided attacker and is likely to slot into that position in a fluid front three for United, with multiple other options in attack. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have both impressed in recent weeks, while Anthony Martial has returned from injury and Anthony Elanga is also in contention for a starting spot.
Ten Hag will also have Cristiano Ronaldo in his squad this campaign despite the player’s determination to depart the Red Devils this summer after just one season back at Old Trafford. Despite the superstar declaring the intention over two months ago, he has not been able to secure an exit.
Ronaldo netted three goals in his two Premier League appearances against Arsenal last season, but the 37-year-old is unlikely to start against the Gunners at Old Trafford this weekend. Indeed, he missed out on the starting line-up for the recent victories over Liverpool and Southampton.
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Instead, the addition of Antony is likely to see the Brazilian paired up with Rashford and Sancho in a three-man attack for Ten Hag’s side. There are no issues or concerns over Antony’s fitness, having already featured for Ajax this season and is thought to be in peak condition ahead of joining up with his new United teammates.
Arsenal are the early Premier League pacesetters having won all five of their opening league matches, however their trip to Old Trafford is their toughest assignment of the campaign to date and United’s resurgence following victories over Liverpool and Southampton, coupled with the additions of Casemiro and Antony, have helped quell the mood at United.
Antony will link up with his former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez at United, alongside fellow summer additions Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will arrive on a season-long loan deal from Newcastle United.
